The Laboratory of Social Informatics, Statistics and Research Infrastructures in the Department of Sociology at the University of the Aegean's School of Social Sciences operates as a research and educational hub for studying contemporary social phenomena and transformations. Using tools from applied social informatics, statistical analysis and research data management, the laboratory develops and supports infrastructures for collecting, processing and analysing demographic, social and cultural data. This contributes to producing evidence-based knowledge on critical social issues.
The laboratory's research focus is closely connected to the unique geographical and social context of the Aegean region. It supports the teaching and training of students in the Department of Sociology by offering an environment in which to learn contemporary methods of social research, digital content production and data analysis. By integrating theoretical sociological approaches with empirical research, the laboratory enhances the development of skills related to the study of social diversity, cultural mediation and social integration processes.
The laboratory operates as the scientific repository of the So.Da.Net Research Infrastructure, whose operation is supported by a research network of eight institutions (EKKE, University of the Aegean, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panteion University, University of Crete, Democritus University of Thrace, University of the Peloponnese, and the Hellenic Open University). The So.Da.Net Infrastructure is a member of the European research consortium CESSDA.
The laboratory is equipped with modern technological infrastructure and specialised software tools (MAXQDA, NVIVO) that support both quantitative and qualitative research methods. It also operates as a space for collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, students and scientific institutions. It is staffed by an interdisciplinary team consisting of members of the department's teaching and research staff, postdoctoral researchers, PhD holders and doctoral candidates.
Thus, it contributes to scientific research and the development of evidence-based approaches to addressing the social challenges of contemporary multicultural societies.